How can I play “Show and Ask” with my child?
By Down Syndrome Digital ·
Suggested age: 17–22 months
About this activity
Activity: Show and Ask. a short, child-led play idea for children with Down syndrome aged 17–22 months. Follow your child’s cues and enjoy the activity at their pace.
These steps are invitations to play, not therapy or a milestone test. Choose a comfortable, stable position, supervise closely, and pause whenever your child needs a break.
What can this activity invite?
This activity may offer opportunities to notice:
• Interact with an adult.
• Choose one of two items you like best.
• Point to the object you want if it’s in sight and nearby.
• Ask for the object you want.
• Name objects in your own way.
• Play based on each item’s properties.
What do I need for this activity?
A comfortable, stable place to play and the familiar items named in the steps. Choose materials made for your child’s age and ability; keep small parts, loose strings, plastic bags, and balloons away from babies and young children.
How do I play this activity?
1. Sit facing each other
Prepare a set of toys and items that interest your child: a toy car, a phone, a ball, and a cup. Take out two items to offer your child, for example a ball and a toy car: “Which one do you want?
2. Try this together
After your child indicates their choice (by looking, reaching out, or pointing), remove the other item. Name the chosen object: “You want the car, dr-r-r?”. Ask: “Give it to you?”. Use the “give-give” gesture.
3. Hand your child the car and play together
Roll it around, “dr-r-r.”. Ask your child for the car: “Give-give.” (gesture).
4. Offer the next pair of items: a ball and a phone
Continue playing, following your child’s interest. Tell them the game is over and put the toys away.
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need to finish every step?
No. Follow your child’s interest and stop whenever they need a break. There is no correct pace or required outcome.
What if my child is not interested today?
That is okay. Pause, try another activity, or return another day. Looking away or turning away is a cue to give your child space.
How long should we play?
There is no set duration. A short, comfortable moment is enough; stop if your child seems tired, distressed, or uncomfortable.
Is this therapy or a developmental assessment?
No. This is a play invitation, not therapy, a milestone target, or an assessment. It does not replace advice from your child’s clinicians.
Can I adapt this activity for my child?
Yes. Keep it comfortable and child-led. For questions about feeding, oral-motor skills, bath safety, positioning, or movement, use guidance from your child’s own care team.